Rosemary DiCarlo, head of UN political affairs, and Joyce Msuya, Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, informed the Security Council that Syrians have made significant progress over the last year. Despite the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, the country’s recovery is still fragile and needs continued international support.
Millions Returning, Millions More in Need
A major sign of change has been the large-scale return of displaced Syrians. Over two million internally displaced people have returned to their original areas, and more than 1.3 million refugees have returned from neighboring countries. “Two million people displaced within Syria have returned – many after living for years in camps, in precarious conditions,” said Ms. Msuya.
Many returnees face damaged or destroyed homes, with limited access to essential services. Many remain displaced, hesitant to return due to housing and service shortages, especially during winter. Thus, humanitarian assistance remains crucial as the UN plans to reduce its extensive aid operations.
Aid Operations Under Pressure
Ms. Msuya noted that despite lower funding, the UN has improved its response, reaching 3.4 million people monthly. However, the 2025 humanitarian appeal is only 30% funded, necessitating tough prioritization and leaving millions without aid. “With the scale of the needs and the time required for development efforts to take hold, we also need support to sustain and expand humanitarian assistance in the near term,” she said. Easing sanctions have facilitated aid operations and could aid Syria’s long-term recovery.
Political Progress, But Fragile Security
Ms. DiCarlo mentioned significant political steps, such as restoring state institutions, forming a new cabinet, and conducting indirect legislative elections. Although violence has declined, inter-communal tensions remain high. “Tragically, these tensions have boiled over in the past year,” she said, mentioning incidents of violence and Israeli airstrikes that exacerbated the security situation. She reiterated the call to Israel to respect Syria’s sovereignty.
Justice, Reconciliation, and the Road Ahead
Long-term stability depends on accountability, reconciliation, and inclusive governance. “The shadows of the past continue to haunt the Syrian people,” Ms. DiCarlo stated, emphasizing the need for accountability and addressing past abuses. She stressed that inclusive dialogue and international engagement are key to rebuilding trust and reconstructing Syria. Ms. Msuya shared Rawaa’s story, a returning single mother aiming to start a business, urging the international community to help Syria seize this opportunity for recovery.
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